Getting Here

GETTING HERE

Fly to Monterey

Monterey Regional Airport offers more than 40 daily flights and direct service from San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Las Vegas and convenient and all the convenience of a small airport. Once you land, you have several transportation options for the quick trip to Monterey or surrounding communities:

Public Transportation: Monterey Salinas Transit Routes 7, 56 and 93 provide service between downtown Monterey and the Monterey Regional Airport. Check the MST website for most up-to-date routes and schedule information.

Taxi and Ridehailing:Monterey Regional Airport lists taxi and ridehailing companies that are permitted to operate at the airport.

Take the Train

Amtrak’s Coast Starlight, one of the most prestigious trains in Amtrak’s system, runs between Los Angeles and Seattle and stops 20 miles from Monterey in downtown Salinas. Less than five minutes from the station, MST’s Route 20 will connect you from the Salinas Transit Center to the Monterey Transit Plaza downtown Monterey. Alternatively, it’s a short taxi, Uber or Lyft ride to get to Monterey.

Take the Bus

Greyhound, in combination with local transit service by MST, is another car-free option to get to Monterey. Less than five minutes from the station, MST’s Route 20 will connect you from the Salinas Transit Center to the Monterey Transit Plaza downtown Monterey. Alternatively, it’s a short taxi, Uber or Lyft ride to get to Monterey.

Tips for Riding the Bus

How to pay for the bus:

MST has four different fares based on distance: local, primary, regional and commuter. The MST web site lists the fares for each type and under each route. Fares can be paid in the following ways:

On the bus with cash: Exact fare is not required, however, the bus driver does not give change in cash. Instead you receive a credit towards future MST trips.

GoCards: GoCards can be loaded with money and then used like a debit card, which is tapped on the farebox, when boarding the bus.

GoPasses: Passes are available in 7-day or 31-day options and applicable for longer visits to the area.

The Getting Around Map consolidates the most commonly used bus routes by visitors, including the free MST Trolley. Real-time information about the next available bus is available via Google Maps (switch on the Transit option and click on the nearest bus stop for real-time information). Other was to get real-time information is via text or phone. See the MST website for all options.

Arrive Stress-Free by Car, then Leave Your Car Parked

If you drive to Monterey there are several ways you can take the stress out of driving

On summer weekends, traffic tends to be heaviest late afternoon on Fridays and on Sunday afternoons. Arrive early or late on Friday. Stay for dinner on Sunday. Check the events schedule to avoid arrival and departure times of large events in the region.